Mariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to bra.
Mariah St. John Education WriterMariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to bra.
Written By Mariah St. John Education WriterMariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to bra.
Mariah St. John Education WriterMariah is a Berlin-based writer with six years of experience in writing, localizing and SEO-optimizing short- and long-form content across multiple niches, including higher education, digital marketing and travel. Her writing expertise extends to bra.
Education Writer Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Veronica Beagle Managing EditorVeronica Beagle is the managing editor for Education at Forbes Advisor. She completed her master’s in English at the University of Hawai‘i at Mānoa. Before coming to Forbes Advisor she worked on education related content at HigherEducation.com and Re.
Updated: Jun 13, 2023, 3:13pm
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Mobile and website applications have become an integral part of our daily lives. In just a few clicks, we can access a vast range of products and services offering unparalleled convenience, boosting productivity and facilitating communication. Apps provide endless entertainment and learning opportunities, too––all at our fingertips.
With the rise in mobile and web app usage comes a demand for skilled app developers. These professionals are trailblazing the technological landscape and innovating how people interact with the world around them.
Can you envision yourself contributing to the future of technology and transforming industries like healthcare, finance and education? If so, a career in app development may be an excellent fit for you. App development is a challenging yet rewarding field that combines technical expertise and creativity.
This article overviews how to become an app developer, including what this profession entrails and a step-by-step guide on starting your career.
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App developers design, develop and maintain apps for various devices, including mobile devices, tablets, desktop computers and web browsers. These developers typically specialize in desktop, web or mobile app development.
App developers design and build scalable, maintainable and secure applications that meet user needs. They use programming languages like HTML, CSS, Python, C++ and Java to write the code that tells a computer or mobile device how to operate an application. This code builds user interfaces, connects apps to databases, integrates application programming interfaces and services, and handles user interactions.
App developers work across several industries, including healthcare, education, nonprofits, information technology, logistics, travel and tourism, food services, retail and hospitality.
The day-to-day responsibilities of an app developer can vary depending on the specific position, company and industry; however, typical everyday tasks include the following:
According to Payscale, the average salary for an app developer is around $74,000. Multiple factors can influence earning potential, including educational background, training, experience, certification, industry and location.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates employment opportunities for software developers (including app developers) to grow by 26% between 2021 and 2031, significantly faster than the average for all occupations.
Several pathways can lead to a career in app development. From pursuing formal education to enrolling in coding bootcamps or following a self-guided learning path, aspiring developers can choose a career path that suits their needs and goals. Below are steps you can take to become an app developer.
While app developers do not always need a college degree, earning a relevant degree—such as software engineering, a bachelor’s degree in web development or computer science—can provide a structured, comprehensive foundation for fundamental web development and programming concepts. Relevant degree programs typically cover programming languages, computer systems, industry-standard tools and trends.
Bachelor’s programs take around four years of full-time study to complete and comprise 120 credits divided into general education and major-specific coursework. Curricula vary depending on major and degree program; however, software development and related degree programs commonly cover the following topics:
Coding languages form the foundation of any software development. Developers use coding skills to build applications, debug and troubleshoot issues, perform modifications and updates, and implement new features. Some of the best programming languages to learn for beginners include the following:
Knowing how to code in languages like Swift, Kotlin, Objective-C and C/C++ is critical for developing iOS and Android applications. Knowledge of HTML, CSS and JavaScript is essential for developing web applications that can run on desktop and mobile devices.
Several free and paid online resources can help you learn and master a coding language, including online courses and video tutorials, coding bootcamps, hands-on practice projects, articles and books. Online forums and social media groups can provide you with valuable insight, advice and help from more experienced programmers.
Gaining practical, hands-on experience in coding and software development is a must for aspiring app developers. Employers value candidates with relevant experience, which can come from internships, coding bootcamps and personal projects that demonstrate proficiency in programming languages and tools.
App developers should have a broad skill set including programming languages, user interface design, cross-platform app development and backend computing. Being tech-savvy doesn’t necessarily translate to solid app development skills. The design and development process tailors apps to specific platforms such as mobile devices, laptops, tablets or desktop computers.
App developers use programming languages to implement these concepts and create high-quality apps.
Staying up to date with the latest software tools helps app developers remain competitive and create applications that perform well on the latest platforms and devices.
According to Payscale, the average app developer earns around $74,000 per year. Several determinants can influence earning potential, including educational background, training, experience, certification, industry, company size and location.
App development doesn’t require any particular credentials, but most employers seek candidates with some technical expertise, education and training. Having a portfolio of relevant projects demonstrates your skill set and contextualizes your experience for potential employers.
